Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills

Overview

This adventure will be one that will stay with you forever! Enjoy a stunning hot air balloon flight over Custer Valley and the world-renowned Custer State Park. Located just a few miles from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Wind Cave National Park, your flight over mountains, valleys, lakes and prairies, is one of the best ways to view the Black Hills. You may spot elk, antelope, deer and buffalo and maybe even an elusive mountain lion. The beautiful Black Hills is the only place in the world where you can witness such historic, wild landscape and abundant wildlife from a hot air balloon!

City: Custer

Sat 21 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $375.00

Make a reservation

Sat 21 Sep

Starting at $375.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

What's Included

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Glass of Champagne

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 4 years
Must call or email Black Hills Balloons the evening before the flight between 6.30 pm and 8 pm for a flight status update and weather check.
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Guides required to regularly wash hands

What To Expect

Black Hills National Forest

Once the balloon is ready, you’ll gently take to the skies for an approximate 1-hour flight over the Black Hills National Forest. If you are new to ballooning, you’ll be surprised at the silence and serenity you’ll find high above the treetops. It’s truly magical. Upon landing, the ground crew will pack the balloon while you and your pilot celebrate the flight with complimentary champagne, light snacks and a story about the origin of hot air ballooning. Flights depart at sunrise and are weather dependent and always at the discretion of your experienced pilot.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (237)

Emil L

Jul 2017

First of all, it wasn't my first time on a hot air balloon. The excursion starts at 5-15am in Custer, SD at the meeting point. That means, if you are staying in Rapid City (as we were) you have to wake up at 3-45am to get there on time. They're trying to catch the calmest time of the day, that's why they do it that early. It was a little challenging for us, but doable. Especially when you expect a nice scenic flight over the gorgeous Black Hills. After we had met with the pilots, we hopped into their van and were brought to a field near Stockade lake (about 10 min. drive from Custer). The weather was calm. I must say, that the crew seemed very professional and got the balloons up and running very fast. Our pilot, Damien, was very friendly and nice guy as well. Unfortunately, the biggest disappointment for me was the flight itself. Instead of a scenic flight through the Black Hills, we ascended to an altitude of about 1000 feet (yes, you get gorgeous views of surroundings, but you can get comparable views from many lookout spots in Black Hills), and then basically stayed in the same area for the next 45-50min. The whole excursion was within roughly 1 mile radius from the departure spot. Maybe the winds were not cooperative that day, but again, it was very calm and from what I can see from the other people's pictures, it's pretty much their routine to stay around Stockade area lake. So don't expect flying for miles over the peaks, lakes and cliffs. Upon landing, we were served mimosas with crackers, cheese and muffins, which was nice. But I'd rather had a longer flight. So overall my kids (10 and 6 y.o.) enjoyed the experience since it was their first time, but I was not very satisfied. They definitely need to work on a better flight routs in different wind conditions, so that people can really enjoy the Black Hills.

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We remember that flight well because Mother Nature just didn't cooperate. We were forced to stay in the area (when you are at the mercy of the winds, it happens sometimes) but she did provide views of the beautiful Custer Needles, which is very rare. The Black Hills can be unpredictable at times, but flying here is definitely worth it, we hope it made your stay here memorable.

Alex W

Jul 2017

Our ride with Black Hills Balloons was wonderful. I had never been up in a balloon before and was pleasantly surprised to discover how calm, smooth, and relaxing the ride was. It really is a surreal experience to be floating above the world in a colorful balloon while wildlife run beneath us -- there were dozens of deer and at least a couple of what appeared to be elk spotted during our flight. The South Dakota scenery is especially gorgeous from up high, and we happened to fly on a beautiful morning with clear skies so that we could see for miles in every direction. Our pilot Damien, a fine Irish gentleman, was very funny and knowledgeable (he was glad to answer any questions anyone had about how the balloon works), and was a calming presence for my girlfriend who is a bit terrified of heights (she ended up loving the trip). Special thanks to all of the crew on the ground who also worked hard to make sure we had a great experience. There seemed to be at least 3 crew members per balloon waiting to assist when we landed and they were all very helpful. And the post-flight mimosas, snacks, and funny balloon history lesson were a great ending to an amazing experience! I can't say enough good things about our experience flying with Black Hills Balloons and would gladly ride with them again when we come back to Custer. Note: The early morning trip can make for some dew on the ground and chilly temperatures (at least until the sun is fully up!) so bring an extra layer of warm clothes and socks that you can shed as the temperatures rise.

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Hi! Thanks for taking time to leave such a descriptive review. We're so glad you enjoyed your experience; the flight, the beautiful views, the crew and the mimosas. And happy to hear your girlfriend enjoyed the flight, despite her fear of heights. Come fly with us again!

texaskaren68

Jun 2017

Wow! What a fun morning. The only downside was the early wake up time, but it was worth it. The balloon ride was surprisingly smooth, and the landing wasn't rough at all, just a few little bumps. The post-flight muffins and mimosas were a nice treat. Damien and his crew were fantastic. If you have the time and money when you're visiting the Black Hills, I highly recommend a flight with Black Hills Balloons.

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Oh, that early morning wake up....It's not our favorite part either but it assures the safest and calmest flight. Thanks for flying with us, we're so glad you enjoyed it!